Alcohol is an integral part of society. It exists in different forms; beer, whiskey, scotch, champagne, etc. However, alcohol is also known for its harmful effects despite its commonality.
People talk about its mental health effects. However, society pays little attention to the impact of alcohol on physical health. Note that alcohol has adverse implications on the health of its users, especially on their internal organs.
In this article, we will talk about some of the effects alcohol has on physical health. Some of these effects are short-term; others occur over a while.
Let us check out some of the short-term effects of excessive alcohol on physical health. They include dizziness, headaches, vomiting, etc. The focus of this article is the long-term effects.
- Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a disease that involves the inflammation and scarring of the liver. The liver has a duty of removing toxic substances from the body, including alcohol. The constant exposure of the liver to alcohol causes it to become scarred and inflamed.
The disease affects the liver’s ability to function well. This is quite serious as liver diseases are life-threatening.
- Increased Blood Sugar
One of the cumulative effects of excessive alcohol intake is improper functioning of the liver. The liver and the pancreas are responsible for insulin secretion in the body. When the liver is unable to produce insulin, it poses a risk of excess blood glucose in the bloodstream.
- Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition caused by the inflammation of the pancreas. When there is an excessive intake of alcohol, it can lead to abnormal activation of the enzymes produced in the pancreas. The accumulation of these enzymes causes the inflammation known as pancreatitis.
- Brain Damage
Serious complications can occur in the brain when there is an excessive intake of alcohol. Some of the common signs of excessive alcohol intake are slurred speech and uncoordinated actions. These signs are short-term effects; however, with continued alcohol intake, they can become permanent.
Continued alcohol intake affects the parts of the brain responsible for emotional control, short-term memory, and judgment.